Documents Required for F-1 Visa in USA

The F1 Visa is a US student visa (non-immigrant) required by international students who wish to study in the US. However, if you enter to study in the USA through this visa, you must complete the course's whole duration. Only the US Embassies and USA consulates outside the US have the authority to issue F-1 Visas. Certain documents are required for F-1 visa application completion, and this article will discuss them in detail. 

When applying for an F-1 student visa to study in the US, it is essential to understand that having the correct documents is not just a formality; it is a crucial step in securing approval to study in USA. The visa officer reviews your documents to verify your intent, economic means, and eligibility to study at US universities. Certain documents, such as those that are missing, outdated, or unclear, may impede or entirely cancel your approval. Now, an upfront perspective on what to remember:

Every document tells a story; the university issues the I-20. The applicant must complete the DS-160 form and pay the SEVIS fee. The interview and final decision rest with the U.S. embassy/consulate. Different stages have different paperwork requirements.

New for 2025? Watch out for:

• Updates to DS-160 digital submissions (social media handles updation, check the latest Social Media Vetiing Rules for US Student Visa)
• New photo guidelines (e.g., no glare from glasses, no shadows, white background only)
• Certain US Embassies actually prefer having digital documents uploaded beforehand-Always check instructions from your region

We'll walk you through every single step so that you'll never doubt whether to carry this or that document, update it, or organise it in this way or that.

Check How Temporary US Student Visa Interview Freeze Affecting Indian Students?

What is an F1 Visa in USA?

An F1 visa in USA is applicable for international applicants enrolled across US universities or colleges for a full-time study program. Applicants applying for a US student visa and qualifying for an F-1 visa will need to submit certain supporting documents, along with the SEVIS fee and student visa fee. Check out the section below to understand what all is required to obtain an F1 visa to study in USA as an international student for a full-time program. 

F1 Visa Categories to Study in USA

To apply for a US study visa, students must complete the F1 visa slot booking formalities 6-8 weeks before their travel to the USA. Avoid delaying your slot booking for an F1 visa as it may further cause delays in your travel and visa application approval. The following students will have to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the USA:

To understand about how US appointments for interviews work, read - US Student Visa Appointment in India. Check out the article below to understand the process of getting accepted at US universities and what documents are required for a US study visa or your F-1 student visa for international students.

F1 Visa Application Process in USA 2025

As a part of the application process for filing an F1 visa, here is the list of documents an international applicant would require for submission:

Step 1: Get an Offer Letter & I-20 from US University

Upon enrollment at US university, the applicant will receive the I-20. Students need to show the funds and pay the deposit if required by the university to get the I-20 form. The I-20 form will act as a supporting document to prove that you have enough funds for your entire stay, as there are limited legal employment opportunities. This form will also serve as the medium to schedule an appointment for your US student visa interview with the local US Embassy or Consulate.

Step 2: Submit SEVIS Fee

Once you receive the acceptance letter and I-20 from the US University, you will be registered with the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Pay the one-time application fee or SEVIS fee of USD 350 (INR 30,101). Also, keep these handy -

• SEVIS ID number
• Program start and end dates
• Intended program of study
• Funding sources
• Cost of attendance of your university of admission
• Personal information

Step 3: Submit the DS-160 Form

Complete your DS-160 form and submit it (for free, there is no charge). You would need your I-20 form and SEVIS fee receipt number for this. 

Step 4: Schedule F1 Visa Interview

Schedule your F1 visa interview after paying the fee and submitting the student visa form for the USA. You can prepare for F1 visa interview by reading case studies.

Check out the following links:

• US Student Visa: Myth vs Reality
• Requirements for getting a Student Visa 

F-1 Visa Document Checklist 2025

Before we share the documents required for the F-1 Visa interview, we would like to reiterate that you will not be asked for any additional documents beyond your application and appointment letter. However, being prepared is always advisable, and you should keep these documents handy in case the interviewer requests to see any of them.

Also, file them neatly so that they are easily accessible. Your original passport should also be readily available, as you are requested to submit it.

Set 1: Personal Information

• Passport (current and all the previous ones)
• MRV Fee Receipt
• Visa Interview Appointment Letter
• DS 160 Confirmation Slip (with the bar code visible)
• SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Passport-size photograph (as per the regulations mentioned). US visa photo size requirement is 22 mm and 35 mm, including areas from the chin's bottom to the top of one's head. 

Set 2: Educational Documents 

• Academic Transcripts like Class 10th and 12th Certificates and mark sheets
• GRE or GMAT for graduate courses and SAT or ACT scorecard for undergrad admissions
• IELTS or TOEFL scorecards or even PTE scorecards
• Bachelor’s Degree/ Provisional Degree Certificate or course completion certificate or mark sheet for all the years as well as the consolidated mark sheet (if applicable)

Set 3: Work-related Documents (if applicable)

• Joining Letter
• Salary Slips (last six months)
• Relieving Letter

Set 4: Financial Documents

• Loan Approval Letter (if applicable)
• Saving Bank Account Statement (recommended: last three years)
• Fixed Deposit Certificates (recommended: last three years)
• Tax Returns for the past three years
• Property Documents (residential, commercial, ancestral and/or farmland)

Check out: Financial Documents Required to Study Abroad

Once you have all the necessary documents ready, you should begin preparing for the visa interview. Please arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled time with all necessary documents and receipts. 

Final F‑1 Visa Interview Checklist: Don’t Miss These 5 Things

Once you have completed your student visa application and submitted the required documents, you will need to schedule F1 student visa interview. Before going for the interview ensure you have these documents with you: 

1. All Originals + Photocopies Are Packed

Ensure you’ve both the original documents and at least two photocopies of each: passport, I-20, bank statements, transcripts, etc. Don’t rely on digital copies alone.

2. I‑20 Is Signed by You and Your DSO

It’s easy to miss, but ensure your I‑20 must has a valid signature from the DSO (Designated School Official) and your signature at the bottom. No signature = no visa.

3. Visa Photo Matches US Specifications

Carry at least two recent photos with a white background, matte finish, and no glasses. Double-check the size (2x2 inches) and background before printing.

4. DS‑160 Confirmation Page Is Printed

Don’t just carry the confirmation email. You need the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode, printed in high-quality clear ink. This is a must-have at the interview window.

5. Financial Proof Is Clear and Current

Bank statements should be recent (within 30 days), clear, and show sufficient funds for tuition + 1 year of living expenses. If you’re showing a sponsor, include affidavit of support and relationship proof too.

You might also like to read:

• Tips to Ace US Student Visa Interview
• Interview Tips for Student Visa

F1 Dropbox Documents

In case applicants are looking at an interview waiver, commonly referred to as Dropbox in USA, they will also have to submit certain documents for the same. To qualify for a student visa interview waiver in USA, they should ideally submit the following documents to be eligible for Dropbox in USA:

• Applicant's current passport (plus all old passports if any)
• DS-160 form's confirmation page
• 2 copies of I-20 forms
• SEVIS Fee receipt
• 2 passport-size photos in US visa format

Based on the F1 Dropbox documents, applicants will be notified if they are eligible for the interview waiver. 

Important Notes Before Submitting F1 Visa Documents

Applicants must keep these pointers in mind when they submit their F1 visa documents for US student visa application screening, to avoid rejections:

• Make sure all documents are originals and up-to-date.

• Keep photocopies of all key documents for your records.

• Check the individual requirements for your university and the US embassy or consulate at which you will be applying.

• You should carry a photocopy of your completed US visa application form (Form DS-160) and any additional supporting documents you may have.

• Ensure your photograph is compliant with US visa standards.

US F1 Visa Denials

F1 visa denials can be due to multiple reasons; the denial reason will be elaborated in detail for the applicant. Applicants must ensure that they submit authentic documents for F1 visa applications. Any information that does not align with the interview and documents can result in rejection. You can be a visa rejection due to 221(g) Rejection or also based on 214(b) Rejection. You could be a potential immigrant or lack finances or your documents are insufficient for admission. 

Check out the complete list of US Student Visa (F1) Rejection Reasons and avoid them.

Are you seeking assistance with admission-related questions? Please write to us in the comments below or sign up for free counselling at Shiksha Abroad Counselling.